Vista Upgrade Option

[Andrew]

I just purchased a new 64 bit Laptop and will be upgrading the Vista Premium.
I want to upgrade to a 64 bit version. I've been on Vista Business 32 bit
on my old Laptop since April of 2007. The question is which version of 64
bit Vista should I install? And can I upgrade the default unstallation on
the Laptop or should I start from scratch?

 

[Sinner]

I just purchased a new 64 bit Laptop and will be upgrading the Vista
Premium.
I want to upgrade to a 64 bit version. I've been on Vista Business 32 bit
on my old Laptop since April of 2007. The question is which version of 64
bit Vista should I install? And can I upgrade the default unstallation on
the Laptop or should I start from scratch?

Stick with Vista Business, unless you really need the Media Center, Photo
Gallery, etc.

 

[AJR]

Business or Ultimate - really your choice, however verify that your current
applications (drivers) are compatible with 64 bit. The 64 bit versions are
not as forgiving on installations as 32 bit and require certified or signed
drivers.

i

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

I just purchased a new 64 bit Laptop and will be upgrading the Vista
Premium.
I want to upgrade to a 64 bit version. I've been on Vista Business 32 bit
on my old Laptop since April of 2007. The question is which version of 64
bit Vista should I install? And can I upgrade the default unstallation on
the Laptop or should I start from scratch?

You can use any edition of Vista x64. You only need an update product key.
You will have to reinstall the OS because 32bit Windows to 64bit Windows is
really a migration and not an upgrade in place. You will install by
starting the computer with the 64bit dvd and entering the upgrade product
key. Setup will verify that you have another copy of Windows already
installed and permit you to continue. You cannot go 64 by upgrading the
bits so you will need to reinstall applications and restore files. You must
make sure that 64bit drivers are available from the laptop's mfg. Download
them to a flash drive or cd before performing the migration.